I came across this piece by North Carolina-based artist Clarence Heyward today, and I had to share. This painting of his daughter gave me a much-needed attitude adjustment after a very long week that included me repeatedly posting the same gifof an adorably cranky cat that perfectly suited my mood over the last couple of days.*
Sometimes we need to check ourselves, and this piece helped me do just that. It reminded me of simpler times when, as a little girl everything felt so dramatic. I couldn’t help but think of the young girl in a recent viral video whose perfect attendance pencil was stolen, and her mom recorded her frustratingly recount the chain of events leading to its disappearance.
But I digress. I love how the artist captures the determined look on his daughter’s face in this painting, and I can also definitely hear a mom, dad, auntie or granny saying those words over her shoulder too. Heyward’s work is currently on view at Durham’s 21c Museum Hotel as part of their Elevate series, which highlights the work of local artists.
I’m looking forward to learning more about Heyward’s practice, which also includes photo collage that, according to the emerging artist’s statement, “combines portraiture, graphic design, and ‘soul.'”.
Culture Shock Art 